C.O.L. ISSUE

by David Nuttle

The C.O. L. (Cost of Living) in the U. S. is now considered excessive and has become a major political issue centered on affordability. This issue has reportedly helped a socialist radical, Mamdani, to be elected as the Mayor of New York City. Youth of voting age voted for him in large numbers. Ten percent of these youth were unemployed, and another significant percentage were NEET (not seeking education, employment, or job training). These youth clearly liked Mamdani's promises of many "freebies."

When politicians suffer election loss due to C. O. L. issues they are reminded that "It's the economy, stupid." Gas prices are less than they were under POTUS Biden, by the C.O.L. index indicates that prices of other basic needs continue to increase. To wit:

a) Housing costs up 25 percent over 2029.

b) Child care $3,000 per year, per child, more than in 2020.

c) Food prices are 18 percent higher than they were in January 2022.

d) Utilities are up 12 percent over just last year.

e) Health case costs per year, as an average per person, may soon increase from$888. to

$1.904.

Populations, worldwide, often react strongly when the cost-of-living increases. An example is the 1977 "bread riots" in Egypt where more than 80 people were killed and not less than 550 injured. Under such conditions, populations concerned blame their government for the increasing costs of basic needs and are willing to consider radical political options to include

communism with all of its historical and horrific failures.

Concerns over rising costs of living can cause, and have caused, populations to "jump" from the frying-pan into the fire."